The new Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG comes to Doha

February 22, 2014 11:24 am

The kickoff of the Qatar International Motor Show 2014 marked the Qatar and Middle East debut of the new CLA 45 AMG at the pavilion of Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles (NBK Automobiles) where, in the presence of Sheikh Nawaf Bin Nasser Bin Khaled Al–Thani, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nasser Bin Khaled, senior officials of the company and members of the press gathered to celebrate the launch of AMG’s latest four-door coupé.

Khaled Shaaban, General Manager of NBK Automobiles said: “This is the first time this model will be seen in the Middle East and we are proud to be able to present it at the Qatar Motor Show. With the CLA 45 AMG, we are showing that even four cylinders can provide immense driving pleasure. As the most dynamic, most powerful and also most efficient four-cylinder series-production cars, this high-performance model has hallmark AMG DNA. The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive allows driving dynamics at the highest level.”

The new four-door coupé offers a combination of a sporty driving experience, great design and individuality. With the turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission – the CLA 45 AMG features a drive system that delivers highly dynamic and efficient performance.

Typically AMG: the most powerful series-production four-cylinder turbo engine in the world

The CLA 45 AMG incorporates the AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine – the most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine in series production anywhere in the world. The combination of high performance and torque, together with the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, gives the CLA 45 AMG driving characteristics almost on a par with those of a sports car. The performance coupé accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and its top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). But the AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine is impressive not only in terms of its dynamic performance but also with regard to its efficiency and environmental compatibility. The CLA 45 AMG achieves a fuel consumption level of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres according to NEDC combined figures.

Twin-scroll turbochargers and AMG sports exhaust system with exhaust flap

Mercedes-AMG addresses the challenges of small-displacement turbo engines through a twin-scroll turbocharger, maximum derestriction of the exhaust system and an innovative injection strategy. The twin-scroll technology provides for a more spontaneous build-up of charge pressure, making effective use of exhaust gas back pressure, exhaust gas temperature and exhaust gas impulse. This results in a swifter build-up of torque right from the lower rev range. The twin-scroll technology also benefits fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The AMG sports exhaust system features large pipe cross-sections and an automatically controlled exhaust flap. The flap is continuously adjusted to the power called up by the driver, load status and engine speed. The AMG sports exhaust system emits a fascinating, full engine sound.

“One man, one engine”: a tradition of hand-built excellence

The new AMG four?cylinder turbo engine is hand-built according to the traditional AMG philosophy of “one man, one engine”. An exclusive assembly line has been set up for the new AMG engine at the Mercedes-Benz engine production plant in Kölleda – where all BlueDIRECT four-cylinder engines are built. A characteristic feature of the “one man, one engine” production process is the AMG engine plate bearing the signature of the responsible engine fitter.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is directly flange-mounted on the engine. The dual clutch transmission of the CLA 45 AMG features seven gears, three driving programmes, a double-declutching function and RACE START for optimum acceleration. The strengths of the AMG DCT sports transmission include spontaneous gear shifting without any interruption in tractive power, a tailor-made control strategy, extremely smooth and easy gear shifting and a high level of efficiency.

Performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The CLA 45 AMG comes with the AMG 4MATIC all?wheel drive as standard. The power flux to the rear powertrain is provided by a compact power take-off unit (PTU) which is fully integrated in the 7-speed sports transmission. A two-part propeller shaft transfers the power from the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine to the rear axle. In the interests of favourable weight distribution, an electrohydraulically controlled multiple-disc clutch is integrated with the rear axle differential. The multiple-disc clutch immediately detects slip at the front axle. A hydraulic pump instantaneously presses the discs together and channels the engine torque to the rear wheels as necessary. In normal driving, the CLA 45 AMG uses front-wheel drive in the interest of optimum efficiency.

3-stage ESP® with ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist

An exclusive feature is the interaction of the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive with the 3-stage ESP® and the ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist. The three ESP® stages enable the driver to vary the dynamics of the CLA 45 AMG according to his individual wishes at the push of a button. The safety-oriented “ESP ON” mode supports the driver in maintaining neutral handling characteristics. The system initiates braking intervention on one or more wheels and reduces the engine torque on detecting that the operating conditions are becoming unstable.

AMG sports suspension with independent front and rear axle

The new CLA 45 AMG also incorporates sophisticated axle technology. The three-link front suspension is provided with stiffer steering knuckles and totally new elastokinematics. Newly developed, more rigid bearings are employed in the lower link plane. These provide for more agile cornering properties and more precise and direct feedback from the road surface. The more rigid bearings also lead to higher camber stiffness, enabling higher cornering speeds. In developing the complete front axle, great importance has been attached to attaining the best possible traction in highly dynamic driving.

The four-link rear axle of the CLA 45 AMG is also a totally new development. In the course of optimising the elastokinematics, the strut bearings were duly adapted for maximum driving dynamics and control. The rear axle carrier is provided with more rigid bearings for increased driving stability; the subframe is rigidly connected to the body. The AMG sports suspension with specifically tuned spring/damper units and larger stabilisers provides for high lateral acceleration and a reduced rolling tendency in fast double bends. The CLA 45 AMG comes as standard with AMG light-alloy wheels fitted with 235/40 R 18 tyres.
AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and AMG high-performance braking system

The electromechanical Dual Pinion AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with AMG-specific, speed-dependent power assistance and a constant steering ratio (14.5 : 1) enables high steering precision and agility. The electric motor is installed in space-saving configuration on the steering gear. The AMG high-performance braking system with ventilated and perforated brake discs all round in size 350 x 32 millimetres at the front and 330 x 22 millimetres at the rear provides for spontaneous and reliable deceleration.

Unmistakable design
The expressive design of the CLA has been enhanced with some typical AMG elements. Its dynamic look is reinforced by the AMG “twin blade” radiator grille and the cross strut in the AMG front apron, both painted in matt titanium grey. The cooling air intakes are framed by black flics, which improve the airflow over the cooling modules positioned behind them.

An eyecatching view from the side is ensured by the sill panels with inserts in matt titanium grey. Further elements typical of a top-of-the-range AMG model include the AMG twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted grey and with a high-sheen finish, plus the “TURBO AMG” lettering on the wing. Seen from the rear, the CLA 45 AMG displays a distinctive AMG rear apron. The two chrome-plated twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, serve to emphasise the car’s dynamic appeal. The striking LED tail lights are a standard feature.

Dynamic, exclusive and top-quality interior
The interior is of mpressive quality, high-grade materials and all the dynamism and exclusivity commonly associated with Mercedes-AMG. Sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with red contrasting topstitching, red seat belts, the multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, the AMG DRIVE UNIT and AMG door sill panels all come as standard. Coordinating with one another are the brushed aluminium trim of the instrument panel and the five galvanised ventilation outlets. Information is provided by the AMG instrument cluster with its central colour display, the AMG main menu and the RACETIMER.

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